Continued iteration leads us to attempting another orbital insertion with the Mk2, hoping to take the payload the full distance this time rather than leaving Kerbin II to fend for itself. Will the upgraded Viklun stage be able to handle it?
This dispatch includes updates for the Ascension rocket only. If you would like to follow the mission of its payload, click here.
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flight overview and analysis has been released for the Ascension Mk2 orbital mission - kerbalspace.agency/?p=10779 we look forward to flying the second Mk2 towards the end of Q2 2020, carrying a technology demonstrator for future comm sats
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a tough decision has been made. The Kerbal Space Agency will be suspending launch operations for at least the next two months while we reassess Ascension & Progenitor program management. More details in this press release from @DKerman_KSA: kerbalspace.agency/?p=10854
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
TL;DR - several recent minor oversights both in the rocketry & aircraft programs have begun to worry upper management that we are on course to make a catastrophic error in a future mission. Time to slow down before a major oversight occurs with horrible consequences
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Operations Director @DKerman_KSA rejected Lead Engineer Simon's resignation today. He may have made mistakes but this just shows he is willing to accept them and we expect him to move forward with us and make the most of the experience he has gained over the past 3+ years
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
things will be slowing down for a while, but we do expect to clear out the backlog quickly starting Jun/Jul to remain as close as possible to our projections made at the start of the year. We waited to hear of more Chikelu news but nothing yet kerbalspace.agency/?p=10850
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
final major hurdle in getting back to rocket flight has been cleared with the full review & analysis of the orbital Kerbin I mission completed kerbalspace.agency/?p=10905 Now Progenitor & Ascension teams will spend May on upcoming mission plans
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
final design approval is underway for Kerbin II, riding up on an Ascension Mk2 later this year as our CommSat pathfinder. It will test use of a functional RTG unit, on-orbit operations & station keeping, multi-channel comms relay, redundancy systems and decommissioning procedures
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
work continues to get our rocketry programs back to flying, but there is still a ways yet to go. Learn more about what lies ahead and take a look back at what transpired over these past two weeks: kerbalspace.agency/?p=10927 Everyone have a nice weekend!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our bi-weekly Ops Summary has more information on Alaba's latest trajectory analysis and also details on a recent announcement that Umbra Space Industries, long-time supplier for our Progenitor rockets, has gone bankrupt! kerbalspace.agency/?p=10937
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rail depot at the end of the tracks coming from Umbarg has been completed, making for a high-capacity cargo link between us and the nearest underground cavern. The train will also be used occasionally to transport kerbs and large rocket parts
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the first K2-X lifter engine from the order placed back in Feb has arrived to be static-fired later this month on the vertical test stand. This engine will be used for the next Ascension Mk2 orbital mission, which like all other Ascension missions is still under planning/review
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
events late last week postponed our bi-weekly Ops Summary to allow us to share better details, unfortunately the news from USI is not good & has temporarily suspended Progeny launches. Ascension looking better, but still behind sched. More details: kerbalspace.agency/?p=10993
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the next Ascension Mk2 orbital mission has its lifter engine! The K2-X was successfully test fired today on the vertical test stand and will now be stored in the VAB to await integration later this year
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we're ramping rocket operations back up! Sadly Progenitor remains sidelined but Ascension is free to fly and we have three launches in the queue:
6/23 @ TBD - Mk1 (unkerbed)
7/16 @ TBD - Mk1 (Spc Bob)
TBD August - Mk2
Save the dates! More details in the coming days 🚀✨
6/23 @ TBD - Mk1 (unkerbed)
7/16 @ TBD - Mk1 (Spc Bob)
TBD August - Mk2
Save the dates! More details in the coming days 🚀✨
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
engineers have spent the past 3 months working to redesign the Viklun upper stage for better success at reaching space without flipping. Here is a thruster simulation to help determine how much force is needed to hold/change its attitude
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
work is all set to resume in the VAB next week. Progeny Mk7-B assembly atop the 4 boosters will continue while we await launch permission. This month's rocket just needs to be stacked for final closeouts. Bob's ride still has a lot of prep for next month
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the 2nd K2-X engine from the order placed back in Feb has arrived at KSC. It will be static fired next week after the Mk1 mission and then will serve as backup to Bob's mission and the 2nd Mk2 mission before being assigned its own flight - likely to deploy commsats on a Mk2!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
here's a look at the various improvements made to the Viklun orbital stage that will fly on the next Mk2 as early as late August. Quad thrusters are to keep the nose from falling too low, dual thrusters are in case it needs to be pushed down a bit more
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Kerbin II is undergoing final integration at our OKTOsat partner facility in Kravass for launch on the next Ascension Mk2 in late August. Going from 0.625m to 0.75m for the fuel tank is a tight squeeze for a 1.25m fairing but designers made it work for longer commsat life
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've met w/@LucioleSpace CEO Wellbur Kerman & formalized our partnership. They are absorbing USI, which means we will still have access to Progeny Mk6 parts, including the single-segment SRBs should the Boosterton II's fail to be certified by the time Ascension Mk3 is rdy to fly
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Luciole will settle the current lawsuit against USI that was preventing us from launching Progeny rockets. The Mk7-B will fly in August - dates coming next week. This does mean tho the next Ascension Mk2 mission will be pushed back to early/mid Sept. Then more Mk7-B NET Oct
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our next orbital payload has been completed and will be shipped to KSC by the end of this month to be integrated w/ its Ascension Mk2 launch vehicle. Kerbin II will test a functional RTG, comms tech & perform science and kerrestrial observations. Full res: flickr.com/gp/kerbal_spac…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have received Kerbin II from OKTOsat to prepare it for fairing encapsulation and mounting on the launch vehicle under assembly behind the photographer. Can anyone spot the missing element of the satellite and tell us why it's not there?
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
.@starseeker8749 correct on the part, but wrong on the reason. The RTG is safe to handle - alpha particle decay doesn't even penetrate skin so easily contained within the unit itself. Security is a general concern, not just here at KSC during final integration
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the answer to our earlier photo about the missing part on Kerbin II is the RTG produces enough heat to become an issue when encapsulated within a fairing - so it will not be installed onto the satellite until just before launch through a special access hatch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the RTG for Kerbin II has been assembled on sched despite mission delay, meaning it will be putting out less power by the time the mission launches due to the continual decay of the Kuudite but the difference will not matter for this mission, launching no earlier than mid-Sept
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it's time to get hype for our 2nd orbital mission launching next month!! Vehicle construction is going well, mission planning is in its final stages. More details will be shared over the coming weeks but for mission/vehicle overview see the Ops Tracker: ops.kerbalspace.agency/?vessel=ascens…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the separate sections of the Ascension Mk2 - lifter, orbital, payload - are all finishing up their individual checks prior to the start of vertical stacking later this wk on the Mobile Launch Platform parked to the rear, which also needs attention as it's not been used since Feb
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Mobile Launch Platform was rolled out to the pad today to perform checks on it and the ground service equipment. No issues were found, launch schedule remains on track. It's now back in the VAB and already has the lifter section stacked on it
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
vehicle stacking is progressing well in the VAB. The RTG has just recently arrived, although it will not be installed until the day prior to launch. Tracking dishes here and other ground stations are being calibrated. We remain on sched for launch next wk! ops.kerbalspace.agency/?vessel=ascens…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we all have our heads down working hard towards next week's mission, which don't forget will not just be a few mins long! If all goes well we will have a lot of ongoing mission updates to bring you afterwards and we are excited to share more on-orbit ops after Kerbin I's success
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
final checkouts on the Ascension Mk2 have been completed, the rocket stands ready atop the Mobile Launch Platform, set to roll out from the VAB and head to the pad on Monday ahead of launch attempt on Wed. Ready, set... GO? That's what we're hoping for!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
mission controllers better enjoy what could be their last weekend off in a while. Find out more information on the events of the past two weeks and anything important you might have missed in our Ops Summary: kerbalspace.agency/?p=11261
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Mk2 was rolled out at the start of today to be hooked up to the service towers and undergo a wet dress rehearsal that saw it loaded up with 9t of liquid propellants between its 2 stages. All systems were good & we remain on sched. RTG installation will take place tomorrow
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
technicians will access the rocket via the crew gangway to install the RTG today via a hatch in the fairing. Hooked up to the tower environmental system used for capsules the RTG heat will be pumped away and Kerbin II can be powered up and tested
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
our seemingly well-laid plans for installing the RTG on the pad have come up against some unforeseen and insurmountable problems - at least, this time. We are forced to roll back to the VAB and make some adjustments. Launch delayed until next week ops.kerbalspace.agency/?vessel=ascens…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Ascension Mk2 launch delay will not have a knock-on effect for the Progeny Mk7-B launches yet, still time between delayed launch and 3rd Mk7-B launch to reconfigure pad as needed. Further delays however would also start to push back Mk7-B missions
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
modifications have been made that should allow us to properly install the RTG on Kerbin II after roll out - we will try again next week. All other supporting requirements for launch attempt remain ready. Another relaxing weekend for mission controllers, do enjoy!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Ascension Mk2 is back on the pad atop the MLP, being hooked up to the service towers, transport struts removed & engine support stand installed. It will undergo another full wet dress rehearsal because there's no good reason to assume everything is still fine from last week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ground service equipment came up with no issues, rocket was tanked & wet dress rehearsal went well earlier today. Tomorrow we will again attempt to install the RTG so Kerbin II can be powered up & undergo final pre-launch testing. Meanwhile, the Ascension Mk2 sits looking pretty
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we'd like to note that this is technically Ascension's 4th attempt at orbit. 2 attempts by the Mk1 & 1st Mk2 attempt failed cause Kerbin I had to insert itself into orbit. This time we are looking for the Mk2's upper Viklun stage to do the job of inserting the payload into orbit
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the RTG was successfully installed today, Kerbin II was powered up and confirmed to be in good shape. It will now remain switched off until it is deployed - hopefully in orbit! All launch readiness reports are GO and prelaunch ops will kickoff tomorrow @ 15:16 UTC if Wx holds
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
🌅Sunrise/Sunset🌄
@ KSC (UTC-4)
9/23
#2🌅09:00:23
#3🌄12:50:54 🌅15:01:14 !!🚀!!
#4🌄18:51:45 🌅21:02:05
9/24
#1🌄00:52:36 🌅03:02:56
#2🌄06:53:27
@ KSC (UTC-4)
9/23
#2🌅09:00:23
#3🌄12:50:54 🌅15:01:14 !!🚀!!
#4🌄18:51:45 🌅21:02:05
9/24
#1🌄00:52:36 🌅03:02:56
#2🌄06:53:27
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4h30m] Wx balloon released earlier has given us a favorable 90% GO forecast for today's launch attempt. Teams are assembling around KSC to begin prelaunch operations. Rocket remains tanked, so condensed countdown will be as follows. Expect updates at these milestones
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h50m] Flight Director Lanalye has her A team ready for final preflight briefing. Mission profile will be similar to that of Kerbin I, looking to insert into an inclined circular orbit. Original inclination was higher, but reduced to increase ascent error margins
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
one of 2 mission contingencies is if Viklun attitude control still incapable. Engine will cut this time, apokee should already be >70km by time of SES-1 if main throttle properly holds TWR in early ascent this time. Should be able before Ap to insert with Pe just outside atmo
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
2nd contingency is for total ascent failure. Because Kerbin II is designed to be recoverable at mission end that means it can also abort inflight and save itself. If it splashes down we could still lose it, but such an abort would likely be late-ascent over land
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the rocket will be following an optimized ascent profile so you will see Ascent Phase callouts in the flight log as it transitions between pitch profiles. We hope to follow more accurately than our first attempt, breaking down the ascent into 9 phases instead of 2 this time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h15m] controllers are on console, rocket being woken up to load flight software while pad crew begins to remove launch safety hardware and run GSE prechecks. The code powering this mission is fully available on our github - github.com/KSAMissionCtrl…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this is not where you wanna be come launch, but even still looking up at the Ascension Mk2 can be an intimidating sight. If you could withstand the heat, the acoustic vibrations would practically shake you apart. Taken by a pad worker lying on their back
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-2h30m] no issues raised so far, preflight continues on sched as pad workers clear out to allow controllers to run checks on the 6 engines that will be powering the rocket up into space, including the hardware currently holding them down
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h45m] issues board remains clear, rocket is ready to go! Pad crew securing the launch equipment while Range Safety Officer performs another check of airspace & waters around KSC in and under ascent corridor/stage splashdown areas
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h35m] high-altitude weather ballon has begun its ascent to give us an update on upper-level conditions in time for the final general polling at L-5min. MSV Aldeny has reported in, downrange in the Kerblantic in case of emergency recovery operations due to inflight abort
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h] now into the final hour of the count, MLP is secured & controllers are performing ascent simulation to ensure all consoles and rocket are properly configured for the mission. Visitor areas are filling up fast - tickets sold out to this launch in record time last week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] update from the weather desk on surface conditions remain 90% GO with an eye on wind gusts off the grasslands due to a low-pressure system offshore. Data still being received & analyzed from upper-atmo but we are cleared into the final countdown launch phase
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-15m] RSO has closed the range, rocket engines are ARMED, Flight Termination System is ACTIVE. All visitors must remain in designated areas and hearing protection while outdoors is REQUIRED. Any incursions will immediately hold the count
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-13m] onload of nitrogen gas has begun for the Viklun stage, which will be used for fuel tank pressurization for engine restart and RCS. The high-pressure vessels are filled late to prevent any rupture from harming pad crew
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] final readiness polls - Tracking: GO! Flight: GO! Range: GO! Weather: GO! Payload: GO! Launch clearance granted from Ops Dir @DKerman_KSA! FTS is on internal power, service towers unlocked for retraction. The air in Launch Control feels electrified
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4m] preliminary pressurization of the Viklun tank underway. Lower tank is supported by SRBs on launch stand but upper tanks need extra support once service boom swings away to keep rocket secure against any strong wind gusts prior to lift off
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are keeping the same constraints as first launch. Plenty of room for error on ascent but if any values start to get too far off nominal you will see highlight flashes on the telemetry stream according to these values being exceeded
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-2m] terminal countdown has begun with the AFCS taking control of the launch sequence. Service booms have swung away, gangway retracted. Rocket is on internal power and RF comms. SRB hold-down bolt explosives armed. Viklun's dual flight computers are synchronizing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-1m] assuming at T-30s "Go Ascension!" & "Go Kerbin II!" streaming telemetry should load in the Ops Tracker - tune in now - ops.kerbalspace.agency/?vessel=ascens… We again hope to provide real-time data through OIB. If abort, you will see that too. But hopefully not! Final launch sequence:
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good main engine start, SRB ignition & we have LIFT OFF!! Kerbin II is on its way to space atop the Ascension Mk2, rolling from 45° onto 60° then pitching downrange. Boosters putting out 274kN pushing the rocket almost by themselves, will burn out to be dropped after 33s
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket remains on pitch profile, TWR hold @ 1.5 was good this time so velocity is nominal. Roll ctrl on pitch fins was disabled earlier so flutter is reduced as it passes now through transonic regime. Engine chamber pressures nominal. SRBs falling downrange just offshore
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
still looking at a nominal ascent, first major milestone reached w/Ap in space to secure us time to react if Viklun fails to hold attitude after stage sep, which is the next major event coming up now as we are just seconds from MECO. Everyone hold on to your butts...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a bit scary at staging seeing the pitch constraint go into the red but Viklun was able to recover, held proper attitude and we have achieved target apokee! Ascent was actually more efficient than planned, leaving us with extra fuel in the tank. OIB planning underway
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the faster computers down here crunched the numbers and we sent up the resulting burn timings to the Mk2. SES-2 will occur @ 19:52:10 UTC and last for 54s. Tank pressure is good for restart, RCS fuel levels are a bit low but Kerbin II reaction wheels are enough to hold prograde
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
coming up on orbital insertion burn. Everyone on the edge of their seats. Nothing finesse about this - just point prograde, crack the throttle wide open and trust in thrust. Resulting orbit will not be perfectly circular but we're not aiming for such things yet. Let's GOOOOOO
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KERZZAH!! orbital insertion success for the Mk2! 💫 \[0_o]/ our reaction may seem delayed but data from spacecraft had to be checked & confirmed. Launch Control is in an uproar as everyone congratulates each other. FD Lanalyle officially announces LC is now MC - Mission Control!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
as post-launch ops begin on the ground, orbital ops are now underway in space! Controllers are getting the Viklun stage flight computer launch ops purged & set up for orbital ops. Then we will begin prep for Kerbin II deployment later today. Ops Tracker will continue to update
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Viklun stage has just completed its first full orbit. Coming around from the night side back into sunlight earlier the team deployed the RTG's extendable arm so the heat it radiates does not fall so heavily back on the spacecraft, which is also in a slow roll for thermal control
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
prep for Kerbin II deployment continues with both primary & backup radio antennas now extended. We'll need some time to test & ensure comms to Kerbin II are working properly but are looking to kick the spacecraft free within the next hour
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
controllers prepping to orient the Viklun stage radial-out for deployment. With high-pressure RCS fuel low, just a blip is used to get the spacecraft slooowwwlly moving in the right direction, then SAS will be switched back on to lock orientation with reaction wheels
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
translation complete, final activation sequence for Kerbin II is underway to prepare its flight computer for post-deployment boot up. We will then test the RCS thrusters, connect the batteries, open the cold gas fuel valves and activate the cold gas engine
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
final checks on Kerbin II are looking good, just 1-2min now from deployment. Stand by! Viklun has switched to battery power to prep for loss of RTG. Locks on the payload truss will open to allow springs to gently push Kerbin II away. It should then power up & check in after 10s
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
more cheers & applause in Mission Control as we receive data from Kerbin II, now floating free! 1 step closer to mission success for the Mk2! If you're looking at the Ops Tracker, Mk2 now has a link to Kerbin II but if not head here for spacecraft deets: ops.kerbalspace.agency/?vessel=kerbin…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
The Viklun stage, which is now operating on a single flight computer (can swap to backup if needed), has been hibernated with enough batt power to last over a day. It will be deorbited tomorrow. Kerbin II checkouts are still underway but so far no issues have been raised
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
off-duty watch was carried out with no issues, Kerbin II continues to function nominally and we had a good health check with the Viklun stage, now back in hibernation until later today. Controllers will continue to work on getting Kerbin II ready for science observations next wk
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
with the main engine putting out the amount of power it was supposed to this time, SRB drop occurred as planned and fell away from the rocket on separation. Altitude & downrange distance were also sufficient this time that none of the boosters fell back anywhere near the runways
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the Viklun stage has begun its final orbit, it will be waking up soon as it passes over DSN Central so we can begin prep for deorbit burn. Plan is to splash it down off the coast east of Ockr within the next hour, which is our regular ocean graveyard. Plot ends at atmosphere
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've picked the Viklun stage back up after comm blackout as it passes over Arekibo. The pings sent to ground stations along the way to its de-orbit burn will allow us to constrain its orbit to determine if any decay took place. Burn instructions have been uploaded & accepted
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
~3min of slow movement has flipped the Viklun stage over to face retrograde. RCS fuel remains at a premium so careful manual control used to ensure enough remains thru burn as retrograde orientation is a slow-moving target that needs constant adjustment. M-3min
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we had good engine start and nominal burn! Just enough battery power remains to allow telemetry data to continue transmitting to us until plasma blackout occurs. Here is the full command log from when the stage came out of hibernation earlier
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we lost data on atmospheric interface so the flight computer likely crashed for some reason. Unfortunate, but nothing really lost - we mainly wanted to confirm entry point and have that information. Stage likely disintegrated prior to splashing down. Complete mission success!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
#ICYMI earlier today we de-orbited the Viklun stage and nabbed a first mission success for the Ascension Mk2. Did anyone else watch its demise in the Ops Tracker? If not then here you go - without LKO probes it's easy to forget this view updates every second!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
a visual overview of the Ascension Mk2's mission, during which it traveled 196,993.249km from launch to hitting the top of the atmosphere, orbiting Kerbin a little over 37 times. Data processing underway to determine if its orbit decayed at all during that time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
as we analyze data internally, you can also look at some of what we're working with as telemetry from the Mk2 mission has been made available. Includes only launch/ascent/OIB & de-orbit burn/descent. Loss of tlm at atmosphere was due to a runtime error docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
so nice to see our improvements to the Viklun stage were effective, as well as retro thrusters on the lifter decoupler. Here is staging & PLF separation. Future improvements will still be needed, Mk3 will now get larger tanks for RCS fuel since these thrusters are so thirsty
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket was off nominal pitch at staging because it had gone high enough that the fins couldn't hold attitude anymore. This was a minor oversight from dampening controls - future flights can widen the movement limits as the rocket climbs so the fins can remain effective even >40km
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
recap the details of this week's launch, learn about the current status of Kerbin II & how its mission will progress. Catch up on any other big stories you may have missed these past two weeks in our Ops Summary. Weekend shifts in Mission Control begin! kerbalspace.agency/?p=11280
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
two new bit.ly/KSARecords have been confirmed from the latest Ascension Mk2 mission (old/new):
• Heaviest Payload Launched
(Orbital Trajectory): 0.661t/0.767t
• Most Stable Orbits
(Around Kerbin): 20/37
Congrats to the Ascension team!
• Heaviest Payload Launched
(Orbital Trajectory): 0.661t/0.767t
• Most Stable Orbits
(Around Kerbin): 20/37
Congrats to the Ascension team!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Kerbin II has by now exceeded both Kerbin I's record mission distance of 396,096.3495km and the Ascension Mk2's orbit total of 37 and of course it still has a long ways yet to go so bit.ly/KSARecords has updated to refer to Kerbin II with a "+" to note ongoing progress
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
there was no decay detected in the orbit of the Ascension Mk2's upper Viklun stage, however this could be due to its short stay in space and the fact that our own measurements may still be largely inaccurate. It's now up to Kerbin II's longer mission to possibly determine
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flight analysis for the (likely) final Ascension Mk2 mission is now available - kerbalspace.agency/?p=11337 with the success of the Viklun upper stage we can finally complete the design of the Mk3 & expect to have a blueprint by the end of the month
